Gaming machine and volume control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine comprises a sound signal output device, a plurality of attenuators, a signal bus and a speaker. The sound signal output device outputs plural sound signals including a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal in parallel. The attenuator attenuates at least the BGM signal of the plural sound signals outputted from the sound signal output device. The signal bus is adapted to input all the plural sound signals including the BGM signal attenuated in the attenuator and transmits the sound signals. The speaker converts the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus into sound waves and then turns up the sound waves.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/873,579, filed on Dec. 8, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a gaming machine and a volume control method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

In a conventional gaming machine, when a player inserts a game medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of the gaming machine and pushes a start button, plural symbols are varied and displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and the symbols are then stopped automatically.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,650, for example, such gaming machine comprises a sound circuit for outputting a sound signal having various effects sounds overlapped such as BGM or game effect sound and a speaker for converting the sound signal into a sound wave and turning it up. Then, the machine carries out a game effect through the effect sound outputted from the speaker. When controlling a volume of the effect sound, a volume controller is operated in the sound circuit, so that an output voltage of the sound signal is increased or decreased. As a result, the volumes of all the effect sounds such as BGM or game effect sound included in the sound signal are adjusted into a same level by the volume controller.

The invention provides a gaming machine having a control function of an effect sound, which is not provided to the conventional gaming machine, and a volume control method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising a structure as described below and having a sound signal output device, a plurality of attenuators, a signal bus and a speaker. The sound signal output device outputs plural sound signals in parallel. The attenuators attenuate each of the sound signals outputted from the sound signal output device, respectively. The signal bus is adapted to input the sound signals attenuated in the attenuators therein and transmits the sound signals. The speaker converts the sound signals transmitted via the signal bus into sound waves and turns up the sound waves.

According to the above structure, the sound signals outputted from the sound signal output device are respectively attenuated by the attenuators. After the respective signals are attenuated in the attenuators, they are inputted into the signal bus. After that, the sound signals are converted into sound waves and then turned up by the speaker.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising a structure as described below and having a sound signal output device, a signal bus, an attenuator, an adder and a speaker. The sound signal output device outputs plural sound signals in parallel. The signal bus is adapted to input any of the sound signals outputted from the sound signal output device therein and transmits the sound signals. The attenuator attenuates the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus. The adder adds the sound signals attenuated by the attenuator and the sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device. The speaker converts the sound signal added in the adder into a sound wave and turns it up.

According to the above structure, any of the plural signals outputted from the sound signal output device is inputted into the signal bus. The sound signals transmitted through each signal bus are respectively attenuated by the attenuator and then the sound signals attenuated by the attenuator and the sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device are added by the adder. After that, the sound signal is converted into a sound wave and turned up by the speaker.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising a structure as described below and having a sound signal output device, a plurality of attenuators, a signal bus and a speaker. The sound signal output device outputs plural sound signals including a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, in parallel. The attenuator attenuates at least the BGM signal of the plural signals outputted from the sound signal output device. The signal bus is adapted to input all the plural sound signals including the BGM signal attenuated by the attenuator therein and transmits the sound signals. The speaker converts the sound signals transmitted via the signal bus into sound waves and turns up the sound waves.

According to the above structure, at least BGM signal of the sound signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device is attenuated by the attenuator. All the sound signals including the sound signal attenuated by the attenuator are inputted into the signal bus and then converted into sound waves and turned up by the speaker.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising a structure as described below and having a sound signal output device, a signal bus, an attenuator, an adder and a speaker. The sound signal output device outputs plural sound signals including a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, in parallel. The signal bus is adapted to input the plural BGM signals outputted from the sound signal output device therein and transmits the BGM signals. The attenuator attenuates the BGM signals transmitted through the signal bus. The adder adds the BGM signal attenuated by the attenuator and the game effect sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device. The speaker converts the sound signal added in the adder into a sound wave and turns it up.

According to the above structure, the BGM signals of the plural sound signals including the BGM signal and the game effect sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device is inputted into the signal bus. After the BGM signals transmitted through the signal bus are respectively attenuated by the attenuator, the BGM signal attenuated by the attenuator and the game effect sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device are added by the adder. After that, the sound signal is converted into a sound wave and then turned up by the speaker.

The invention provides a volume control method of a gaming machine having a structure as described below. Plural sound signals are respectively attenuated and the sound signals attenuated are adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. The sound signals transmitted through the signal bus are converted into sound waves and then turned up.

According to the above structure, plural sound signals are respectively attenuated and the sound signals attenuated are adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. The sound signals transmitted through the signal bus are converted into sound waves and then turned up.

The invention provides a volume control method of a gaming machine having a structure as described below. Any of plural sound signals is adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. The sound signal transmitted through the signal bus is attenuated and the sound signal attenuated and the sound signal not attenuated are added. The added sound signal is converted into a sound wave and then turned up.

According to the above structure, any of plural sound signals is adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. The sound signal transmitted through the signal bus is attenuated and the sound signal attenuated and the sound signal not attenuated are added. The added sound signal is converted into a sound wave and then turned up.

The invention provides a volume control method of a gaming machine having a structure as described below. At least BGM signal of plural sound signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal is attenuated, all the plural sound signals including the attenuated BGM signal are adapted to be inputted into a signal bus and the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus are converted into sound waves and then turned up.

According to the above structure, at least BGM signal of plural sound signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal is attenuated, and all the plural sound signals including the attenuated BGM signal are adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. After that, the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus are converted into sound waves and then turned up.

The invention provides a volume control method of a gaming machine having a structure as described below. A BGM signal of plural signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal is adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. The BGM signal transmitted through the signal bus is attenuated and the BGM signal attenuated and the game effect sound signal not attenuated are added. The added sound signal is converted into a sound wave and then turned up.

According to the above structure, a BGM signal of plural signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal is adapted to be inputted into a signal bus. The BGM signal transmitted through the signal bus is attenuated and the BGM signal attenuated and the game effect sound signal not attenuated are added. The added sound signal is converted into a sound wave and then turned up.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a volume control state of a gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a volume controller according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a setting relation of resistance values in a volume controller according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a gaming machine;

FIG. 5 shows symbols and code numbers of each symbol;

FIG. 6 shows a scatter object symbol determining table;

FIG. 7 shows a set threshold determining table;

FIG. 8 shows a scatter symbol description table;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a gaming machine;

FIG. 10 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a game executing process;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a volume controller according to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a setting relation of resistance values in a volume controller according to a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, it will be described a gaming machine and a volume control method thereof according to the invention. In the mean time, the embodiment will be described with reference to a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

(Volume Control Method)

As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 10 executes a volume control method comprising a first step of attenuating at least BGM signal of plural sound signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, a second step of enabling all the plural sound signals including the attenuated BGM signal to be inputted into a signal bus and a third step of converting the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus into sound waves and then turning up the sound waves.

Accordingly, in case that the sound signals include a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, it is possible to decrease only a volume of the BGM indicated by a staff notation while maintaining a volume of the game effect sound indicated by a speech bubble. As a result, only the volume of the BGM, which is not directly related to a game, is decreased, so that the entire volume outputted from the slot machine 10 can be decreased. In addition, even when the entire volume is decreased, it is possible to enable a player to hear the game effect sound which is directly related to the game.

In other words, in FIG. 1, in case that the BGM and the game effect sound are outputted at the same time, it is possible to maintain a speech volume of “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.” even though the entire volume is decreased.

(Structure of Volume Control)

In this embodiment, the volume control method is executed by the slot machine 10 only. The slot machine 10 has functions of setting each sound signal into a predetermined level so that the volume thereof corresponds to an environment in a hall and the like by an operation of a player or manager and outputting a sound wave from a speaker.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 comprises a main CPU 41, a sound signal output device 201 connected to the main CPU 41 and outputting plural sound signals in parallel, a volume controller 211 for selectively volume-controlling any of the plural sound signals and a sound output device 212 for overlapping and converting the sound signals having a volume controlled into sound waves.

The sound signal output device 201 is provided with a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 for outputting sound signals of a digital format in parallel and a D/A converter 210 for converting the plural sound signals outputted from the main body PCB 60 into an analog format. The D/A converter 210 has four output terminals 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d. The output terminals 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d output the sound signals in parallel, which have been converted into an analog format in the D/A converter 210.

The sound signal output device 201 is connected so that it inputs the plural sound signals into the volume controller 211. The volume controller 211 is provided with four first transmit lines 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, 202 d, four first attenuators 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, 204 d, four second transmit lines 203 a, 203 b, 203 c, 203 d and one output bus 205. In addition, in FIG. 2, as shown in a dotted line, the volume controller 211 may have a second attenuator 209. In this embodiment, the volume controller 211 is provided with the second attenuator 209. The numbers of the first transmit lines 202, the first attenuators 204 and the second transmit lines 203 are matched with the input number of the sound signals or the number of the first transmit lines 202 (in this embodiment, 4 (four)). Furthermore, each of the first attenuators 204 is provided with an input terminal 207 and an output terminal 208. Meanwhile, the input number of the sound signals or the number of the first transmit lines 202 is not limited to 4 (four).

The one terminals of the first transmit lines 202 a˜202 d are respectively connected to the output terminals 210 a˜210 d of the D/A converter 210. In addition, the other terminals of the first transmit lines 202 are respectively connected to the input terminals 207 of the first attenuators 204. Additionally, the output terminals 208 of the first attenuators 204 are connected with the second transmit lines 203. Furthermore, the other terminals of the second transmit lines 203 a˜203 c are connected to the output bus 205. In addition, the other terminal of the first attenuator 204 d is connected to the input terminal of the second attenuator 209. Further, the output terminal of the second attenuator 209 is connected to the output bus 205 via a transmit line. In addition, the other terminal of the output bus 205 is connected to a volume amplifier 206 which will be described later.

According to the above structure, the sound signals outputted from the D/A converter 210 are respectively inputted into the first attenuators 204 through the first transmit lines 202. The sound signals outputted from the first attenuators 204 a˜204 c are inputted into the output bus 205 through the second transmit lines 203 a˜203 c. In addition, the sound signal outputted from the first attenuator 204 d is inputted into the second attenuator 209 through the second transmit line 203 d. The output signal from the second attenuator 209 is inputted into the output bus 205. All the sound signals are overlapped in the output bus 205 and then transmitted to the volume amplifier 206.

The first attenuators 204 a˜204 d consist of variable resistances for decreasing an output of a sound signal. By varying a ratio of magnitudes of the resistances R1, R2, it is possible to attenuate an output of a sound signal. Multiplying an input signal by R2/(R1+R2) makes a theoretical value attenuated by the attenuator. Accordingly, when a magnitude of the resistance R1 is 0, an input signal is outputted without being attenuated. When a magnitude of the resistance R2 is 0, all the input signals are attenuated and become 0 (zero).

The second attenuator 209 consists of a variable resistance for decreasing an output of a sound signal and a control device for changing a resistance value of the variable resistance by an electric signal from an outside. In this embodiment, the control device is electrically connected with the main body PCB 60 and an electric signal from the main body PCB 60 changes a resistance value of the second attenuator 209. In the mean time, the first attenuators 204 and the second attenuator 209 may change a fixed resistance value and alternatively, may consist of an operational amplifier.

Specifically, the resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d may be a combination of the resistance values shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the signal bus 202 a is made to be “channel master 1,” the signal bus 202 b is made to be “channel master 2,” the signal bus 202 c is made to be “channel master 3” and the signal bus 202 d is made to be “channel master 4.” For example, in a setting example 1, the resistances R1 of all the first attenuators 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, 204 d are set to be 0Ω, so that when the resistance R2 is set to be 256Ω, an input signal is outputted without being attenuated in all the first attenuators 204. In addition, for example, in a setting example 2, the resistances R1 of the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d are set to be 0Ω, 64Ω, 192Ω and 256Ω, respectively, so that when the resistances R2 are respectively set to be 256Ω, 192Ω, 64Ω and 0ΩQ, the output signals outputted from the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d correspond to the signals having attenuated the input signal by 0%, 25%, 75% and 100%, respectively. Additionally, for example, in a setting example 3, the resistances R1 of the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d are set to be 128Ω, 0Ω, 0Ω and 0Ω, respectively, so that when the resistances R2 are respectively set to be 128Ω, 256Ω, 256Ω and 256Ω, the output signals outputted from the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d correspond to the signals having attenuated the input signal by 50%, 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, all the above numerical values are theoretical values.

The slot machine 10 is provided with rotary switches 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d corresponding to each of the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d. A manager or player can adjust the resistances R1, R2 of each attenuators 204 a˜204 d by operating the rotary switches 220. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotary switch 220 d for adjusting the resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuator 204 d corresponding to the BGM signal is provided to an external side of a cabinet 11. Thereby, a manager or player can control a volume of the BGM. In addition, although not shown, the rotary switches 220 a˜220 c for adjusting the resistances of the first attenuators 204 a˜204 c corresponding to the game effect sound signal are provided in the cabinet 11. Thereby, a manager can control a volume of the game effect sound, depending on the environments in which the slot machine 10 is equipped.

In addition, as shown with a dotted line in FIG. 2, it may be such structured that an electric signal from the main body PCB 60 changes the resistance value of the second attenuator 209, thereby attenuating the BGM signal. For example, when it is desired that a game effect sound, which is particularly important, is certainly notified to the player, the main body PCB controls the second attenuator 209 to increase a resistance value thereof, thereby turning down a volume of the BGM. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when it is outputted a game effect sound for notifying a scatter symbol, such as “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.”, the main body PCB controls the second attenuator 209 to increase the resistance value thereof, thereby turning down the BGM volume.

The volume controller 211 structured as described above is connected to the sound output device 212. The sound output device 212 comprises the volume amplifier 206 and the speaker 29. After all the sound signals outputted from the first attenuators 204 a˜204 d are added (overlapped) in the output bus 205, the sound signal is outputted to the volume amplifier 206. The volume amplifier 206 amplifies the inputted sound signal by a predetermined amplification ratio. The volume amplifier 206 is connected to the speaker 29. The speaker 29 converts the sound signal into a sound wave and then turns up the sound wave.

(Slot Machine 10)

Hereinafter, it will be specifically described the slot machine 10 having the volume controller 211.

The slot machine 10 executes a playing method comprising steps of randomly selecting to determine a scatter object symbol 181 among plural symbols 180, rearranging the symbols 180 in a display, awarding a payout determined on the basis of a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on a payline L, and when predetermined number or more of scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, setting the scatter object symbol 181 as a scatter symbol 182, notifying contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol 182 and awarding the corresponding payout.

Further, the slot machine 10 executes a playing method comprising steps of providing a display area (scatter object symbol display unit 163) to a part different from an arrangement area (display windows 151˜155) for arranging the symbols 180 and displaying the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area, and when the predetermined number of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, notifying that the scatter object symbol 181 is set as the scatter symbol 182.

Herein, the “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols 180 including the scatter symbol 182 are allowed to be visible with naked eyes of an exterior player. In other words, in FIG. 10, the symbols 180 are under state of being displayed in the display windows 151˜155. In the mean time, the “rearrangement” is meant by arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols 180. In addition, the “payline” L is provided to determine a combination of the symbols 180. In other words, when the symbols 180 are rearranged on and out of the payline L, a combination is determined for only the symbols 180 rearranged on the pay line. As a result of the determination for a combination, when it is made a winning combination, it is carried out, for example, a process of paying out a coin in accordance with the winning combination.

In addition, the “scatter symbol 182” is a symbol making it a condition that a winning is made through only the arrangement thereof, irrespective of the payline L. In other words, when the scatter symbol 182 is rearranged, a winning is made and it is carried out, for example, a process of paying out a coin on the basis of the number of all the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on and out of the payline L. The “scatter object symbol 181” is a symbol serving as a scatter symbol on condition that the predetermined number of the symbols are rearranged. For example, in case that the scatter object symbol is “Bell” and “3” is set as a rearrangement number (set threshold value), when three or more “Bells” are rearranged, Bell serves as a scatter symbol, and when two or less “Bell” is rearranged, it serves as a normal symbol. Furthermore, the “symbol 180” is meant by all symbols used in the slot machine 10 and includes the scatter symbol 182 and the scatter object symbol 181. The payline L, the symbol 180, the scatter symbol 182 and a winning combination will be more specifically described later.

(Display Unit 101)

As shown in FIG. 9, the slot machine 10 executing the above playing method is provided with a display unit 101 (display) and a game controller 100. The display unit 101 is structured to have the payline L and to arrange the plural symbols 180 including the scatter symbol 182. In addition, the display unit 101 is structured to provide a scatter object symbol display unit 163 (display area 10 b) to a part different from display windows 151˜155 (arrangement area 101 a) for arranging the symbols 180.

The display unit 101 may be a mechanical structure with a reel device for arranging the symbols 180 by rotation of a reel or electrical structure with a video reel on which an image is displayed for arranging the symbols 180. Further, the display unit 101 may be a structure of combining a mechanical structure (reel) and an electrical structure (video reel). The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), a plasma display and the like. A detailed structure of the display unit 101 will be described later.

(Game Controller 100)

The game controller 100 is adapted to execute a first process of randomly selecting to determine the scatter object symbol 181 among the plural symbols 180, a second process of rearranging the symbols 180 in the display, a third process of awarding a payout determined on the basis of a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L and a fourth process of when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, setting the scatter object symbol 181 as the scatter symbol 182, notifying contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol 182 and awarding the corresponding payout at the same time. In other words, the game controller 100 has a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third processing unit and a fourth processing unit.

Further, the game controller 100 is also adapted to execute a fifth process of providing the display area 101 b (scatter object symbol display unit 163) to a part different from the arrangement area 101 a (display window 151˜155) for arranging the symbols 180 and displaying the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area 101 b and a sixth process of when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, notifying that the scatter object symbol 181 is set as the scatter symbol 182. In other words, the game controller 100 has a fifth processing unit and a sixth processing unit in addition to the first to fourth processing units.

The game controller 100 comprises a scatter object symbol memory 105 for storing the scatter object symbol 181, a scatter symbol memory 106 for storing the scatter symbol 182, a symbol memory 108 for storing all the symbols including the scatter symbol 182, and a display symbol memory 107 for storing the symbols in the respective memories 105, 106, 108 as a display symbol. The display symbol memory 107 can be accessed by a display control unit 102. The display control unit 102 sets the arrangement area 101 a for arranging the plural symbols 180 and the display area 101 b for displaying the scatter object symbol 181 in the different parts of the display unit 101. In addition, the display control unit 102 reads out the symbols 180 in the display symbol memory 107 under control of a game executing unit 110 and displays the plural symbols 180 in the arrangements area 101 a and the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area 101 b. A detailed display state will be described later.

Further, the game controller 100 is connected to a game start unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of outputting a game start signal in accordance with an operation of the player. The game controller 100 comprises the game executing unit 110 for executing a unit game rearranging the symbols with an input of a game start signal, as trigger, from the game start unit 109, a combination payout determining unit 111 for determining a payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline in a unit game, a scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 for determining a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and a payout award unit 113 for awarding the respective payouts determined in the combination payout determining unit 111 and the scatter symbol payout determining unit 112.

Furthermore, the game controller 100 has a symbol determining unit 104 which is operated when a game start unit is inputted from the game start unit 109. The symbol determining unit 104 randomly selects to determine the scatter object symbol 181 among the plural symbols 180. The symbol determining unit 104 outputs the scatter object symbol 181 to a rearrangement-number determining unit 114 and the scatter object symbol memory 105. The rearrangement number determining unit 114 sets the scatter object symbol 181 as the scatter symbol 182, when predetermined number of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged. In other words, the rearrangement-number determining unit 114 enables the scatter object symbol memory 105 to transmit the scatter object symbol 181 stored therein to the scatter symbol memory 106, thereby setting it as the scatter symbol 182.

Further, the game controller 100 comprises a notifying unit 116 and a notification content memory 117 connected to the notifying unit 116. The notification content memory 117 has a storage form of a scatter symbol description table in FIG. 8 and stores character data, payout-number data and description data that correspond to the scatter symbols 182. The notifying unit 116 is adapted to read out the data stored in the notification content memory 117. The notifying unit 116 reads out the data corresponding to contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol 182 from the notification content memory 117, outputs the contents to the display control unit 102 and displays the contents in the display unit 101 as a character 251 and a description image 252 in FIG. 10, so that it notifies the contents of payout using the image. Furthermore, the notifying unit 116 outputs voice data corresponding to the contents of payout to the volume controller 211, thereby notifying the contents of payout with voice.

In the mean time, each block of the game controller 100 may be structured with a hardware or software, as required. In addition, the game controller 100 may change a setting state of the volume controller 211, depending on the contents of voice data. In this case, it is possible to change a volume in accordance with the significance of the voice data.

(Operation of Game Controller 100)

In the above structure, an operation of the game controller 100 is described. When a game start signal is outputted from the game start unit 109 through an operation of a player, the symbol determining unit 104 starts a process and the game executing unit 110 starts a unit game, so that the symbols 180 are rearranged (second process). The symbol determining unit 104 randomly selects to determine a scatter object symbol 181 among the plural symbols 180 stored in the symbol memory 108 (first process). The determined scatter object symbol 181 is stored in the scatter object symbol memory 105 and is also used for a determination process in the rearrangement-number determining unit 114.

The scatter object symbol 181 stored in the scatter object symbol memory 105 is outputted to the display symbol memory 107 and then used for an image process in the display control unit 102, so that it is displayed in the display area 101 b of the display unit 101. In other words, the game controller 100 executes the fifth process of providing the display area 101 b to a part different from the arrangement area 101 a for arranging the symbols 180 and displaying the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area 101 b. Thereby, the player can easily recognize the scatter object symbol 181 since the scatter object symbol 181 is displayed in the display area 101 b separated from the arrangement area 101 a.

In addition, when the symbols 180 are rearranged as a unit game is executed, the rearrangement-number determining unit 114 specifies the scatter object symbol 181 among the rearranged symbols 180 and calculates a rearrangement-number of the scatter object symbol 181. Then, when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, it sets the scatter object symbol 181 as a scatter symbol 182. In other words, it transmits the scatter object symbol 181 stored in the scatter object symbol memory 105 to the scatter symbol memory 106. Thereby, the scatter object symbol 181 serves as a scatter symbol 182. In addition, when the scatter symbol 182 is set, the notifying unit 116 reads out the character data, the payout-number data and the description data corresponding to the scatter symbol 182 from the notification content memory 117 and outputs the data to the display control unit 102. Then, it is notified the contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on and out of the payline L and the payout is awarded (fourth process). Further, the data is outputted by the volume controller 211 and then outputted as voice from the speaker 29.

In addition, when the scatter symbol 182 is stored in the scatter symbol memory 106, the scatter symbol 182 is displayed in the display unit 101 by an information process in the display control unit 102. In other words, when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, the game controller 100 executes the sixth process of notifying that the scatter object symbol 181 is set as a scatter symbol 182. Thereby, since the display is changed from the scatter object symbol 181 to the scatter symbol 182, the player can easily recognize that a condition of the scatter symbol 182 has been fulfilled, and can enjoy that the player will be provided with a payout for the scatter symbol 182.

Then, a payout determined by a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L is awarded by the scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 and the payout award unit 113. Thereby, the game controller 100 executes the third process of rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L.

As can be seen from the above operation, the slot machine 10 embodies the playing method of randomly selecting to determine the scatter object symbol 181 among the plural symbols 180, rearranging the symbols 180 in the display unit 101, awarding a payout determined by a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L, and when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, setting the scatter object symbol 181 as the scatter symbol 182 and awarding a payout determined by the scatter symbol 182.

Further, the slot machine 10 embodies the playing method of notifying that scatter object symbol 181 is set as the scatter symbol 182, and the playing method of providing the display area 101 b to a part different from the arrangement area 101 a for arranging the symbols 180 and displaying the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area 101 b.

(Display State)

It is specifically described an example of a display state of the display unit 101, with respect to the operation processes of the slot machine 10 and the playing method. In the mean time, as shown in FIG. 10, the display state is described with reference to a structure in which the display unit 101 arranges the symbols with a video reel manner.

The display unit 101 has display windows 151˜155 as the arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols. The display windows 151˜155 are arranged in a central part of the display unit 101. In the display windows 151˜155, symbol columns consisting of the plural symbols 180 are scroll-displayed. In addition, each of the display windows 151˜155 is divided into upper, center and lower stages 151 a, 151 b, 151 c. Each of the symbols 180 is stopped (arranged) in the respective stages 151 a, 151 b, 151 c. For example, in FIG. 10, “CHERRY” is stopped in the upper stage 151 a of the display window 151, “ORANGE” is stopped in the center stage 151 b of the display window 151 and “BELL” is stopped in the lower stage 151 c of the display window 151. As a result, the display windows 151˜155 display a symbol matrix consisting of 5 columns and 3 rows. In the mean time, the symbol matrix is not limited to 5 columns and 3 rows.

In addition, the display unit 101 has a scatter object symbol display unit 163 as the display area for displaying the scatter object symbols 181. The scatter object symbol display unit 163 is arranged in a right-handed upper part of the display unit 101 so as not to overlap with the display windows 151˜155. In the mean time, the scatter object symbol display unit 163 may be provided to an arbitrary position on condition that it can avoid the overlapping with the display windows 151˜155.

A selection object window 165 is provided to a lower part of the scatter object symbol display unit 163. The selection object window 165 displays a symbol which will be a candidate for the scatter object symbol 181. Accordingly, the player can intuitively recognize that a scatter object symbol 181 is randomly selected among the candidate symbols displayed in the selection object window 165 and then displayed in the scatter object symbol display unit 163.

In addition, the display unit 101 has a scatter symbol display unit 171. The scatter symbol display unit 171 is basket-shaped, and displays the scatter symbol 182 as a received thing. The scatter symbol display unit 171 is provided to a left-handed upper corner part of the display unit 101. In the mean time, the scatter symbol display unit 171 may be provided to an arbitrary position on condition that it can avoid the overlapping with the display windows 151˜155 and the scatter object symbol display unit 163.

A display state of FIG. 10 shows a state that the scatter symbol 182 has been set. Specifically, “ORANGE” is displayed as a received thing in the scatter symbol display unit 171, through a series of operations that “ORANGE” displayed in the scatter object symbol display unit 163 is moved to the scatter symbol 182 and then received. As a result, the player can intuitively recognize that “ORANGE” has been set as the scatter symbol 182 by observing the displayed state of the scatter symbol 182 with naked eyes.

Further, in the display state of FIG. 10, a character 251 corresponding to the scatter symbol 182 is displayed and a description image 252, which represents contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol 182, is displayed. The description image 252 is set so that the displayed contents are changed as time goes by. Specifically, the description image 252 that is first displayed is such a letters image that “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.”. In other words, the first description image 252 notifies a type of the scatter symbol 182. In addition, the voice of “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.” is outputted at the display timing of the screen. Thereby, the player can recognize that “ORANGE” has become a scatter symbol 182 by seeing the description image 252.

When a predetermined time period, for example 3 seconds have lapsed after the first description image 252 is displayed, it is changed into a next description image 252. The next description image 252 is such a letters image that “coins are 6 (six) because there are three ORANGEs.” In other words, the next description image 252 notifies the contents of a payout. Thereby, the player can recognize in advance that a payout will be awarded somewhat as the result of the setting of the scatter symbol 182.

(Symbol, Combination, etc.)

As shown in FIG. 5, the symbols 180 to be displayed in the display windows 151˜155 of the display unit 101 constitute columns of symbols, each of which consists of 22 symbols. The symbols constituting the respective columns of symbols are given with one code number of 0˜21. Each of the columns of symbols is constituted with a combination of symbols of “JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” “ORANGE” and “APPLE.”

The three successive symbols in the columns of symbols are displayed (arranged) in the upper, center and lower stages 151 a, 151 b, 151 c of the display windows 151˜155, respectively, so that they constitute a symbol matrix of 5 columns a nd 3 rows. When a 1-BET button 26 or MAX-BET button 27 is pushed and then a spin button 23 is pushed, the symbols constituting the symbol matrix start the scroll. When the scroll starts, the scrolls of the respective symbols are stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time period has lapsed.

In addition, various winning combinations are predetermined with regard to the respective symbols. The winning combination is a combination that a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L becomes an advantageous state to the player. The advantageous state is a state in which a coin is paid out in accordance with the winning combination, a state in which the payout-number of coins is added to a credit, a state in which a bonus game is started, and the like.

Specifically, when a combination of “APPLE” symbol is stopped on the payline L, a bonus is triggered and a gaming state is shifted to a bonus game from a basic game. In addition, when a symbol of “CHERRY” is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game medium) are paid out per one bet. When a symbol of “PLUM” is stopped on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per one bet.

In the mean time, a bonus game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than a basic game. In one embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. The free game is a gaming state allowing a player to play a game for a predetermined number of times, without betting a coin. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player, i.e., it is more advantageous than the basic game. For example, the bonus game may include a state in which it is possible to obtain more game medium than the basic game, a state in which it is possible to obtain a game medium in a higher probability than in the basic game, a state in which a game medium is less consumed than in the basic game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, a second game and the like are examples of the bonus game.

(Mechanical Structure)

In the followings, it will be described an example of the slot machine 10 structured in a mechanical and electrical manner.

The slot machine 10 is provided in a game arcade. The slot machine 10 executes a unit game by using a game medium. The game medium is a coin, bill or electronic negotiable information corresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money, ticket and the like can be used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may be a ticket with a barcode which will be described later.

The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided to an upper part of the cabinet 11 and a main door 13 provided to a front of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 is provided with a lower image display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 has a transparent liquid crystal panel for displaying a variety of information. The lower image display panel 16 displays a video reel and a variety of information and effect images relating to a game. Specifically, the lower image display panel 16 displays the display windows 151˜155 of 5 columns and 3 rows, the scatter object symbol display unit 163 and the scatter symbol display unit 171 and other effect images, as required.

In the mean time, in this embodiment, it is exemplified a case where the symbols of 5 columns and 3 rows are displayed with the lower image display panel 16. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a mechanical reel having symbols provided to a periphery thereof may be rotated and stopped to display symbols which are beyond a display window 15.

One activated payline L is displayed in the lower image display panel 16. The payline L is set to horizontally traverse the center stages 151 b of the display windows 151˜155. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, although the payline L traverses the center stages 151 b of the display windows 151˜155, it may traverse the other stages of the display windows 151˜155. For example, the payline L may traverse the upper stages 151 a or lower stages 151 c of the display windows 151˜155. Alternatively, the payline L may traverse the lower stage 151 c of the display window 151, the center stage 151 b of the display window 152 and the upper stage 151 a of the display window 153. Further, the payline L may be 2 or more. When two or more paylines L are provided, all paylines L may be activated and the number of paylines L relating to a predetermined condition such as bet-number of coins may be activated.

In the mean time, a credit-number display unit and a payout-number display unit may be displayed in the lower image display panel 16. The credit-number display unit displays a total number that the slot machine 10 can pay out to a player (which will be referred to as total credit-number). The payout-number display unit displays number of coins to be paid out when a combination of symbols stopped on the payline is a winning combination.

A control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21 and a bill validator 22 are provided below the lower image display panel 16. The control panel 20 is provided with plural buttons 23˜27. The buttons 23˜27 allows instructions, which are related to a game progress by a player, to be inputted. The coin receiving slot 21 enables a coin to be received in the cabinet 11.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cash out button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET button 27. The spin button 23 is a button for inputting an instruction to start the scroll of symbols. The change button 24 is a button to be used when a player asks a staff in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cash out button 25 is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coins of total credit-number into a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet one coin, among coins of the total credit-number, per one game. The MAX-BET button 27 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet maximum coins (for example, 50 coins), among coins of the total credit-number, per one game.

The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is normal or not and receives the normal bill into the cabinet 11. In the mean time, the bill validator 22 can read a ticket 39 having a barcode which will be described later. When the bill validator 22 reads the ticket 39 having a barcode, it outputs a reading signal relating to the read content to a main CPU 41.

A belly glass 34 is provided to a lower frontal surface of the main door 13, i.e., below the control panel 20. A character of the slot machine 10 and the like are drawn on the belly glass 34. An upper image display panel 33 is mounted to a front of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example, an effect image and an image indicating an introduction of a game content and an explanation of a game rule.

To the top box 12 is mounted the speaker 29 for outputting voice. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37 and a keypad 38 are provided below the upper image display panel 33. The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as credit-number, date and time, identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like, onto a ticket, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode. The player can play a game in another slot machine with the ticket 39 having a barcode and exchange the ticket 39 having a barcode with bill in a change booth of the game arcade.

The card reader 36 reads and writes the data from and into a smart card. The smart card is a card carried by a player, into which data for identifying the player and data relating to a game history of the player are memorized.

The data displayer 37 consists of a fluorescent display and the like, and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data inputted by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 inputs instructions or data relating to a ticket issue.

(Electrical Structure)

A control unit having the game controller 100, the volume controller 211 and the like shown in FIG. 9 is mounted in the cabinet 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit comprises a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU, a door PCB 80, and various switches and sensors.

The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected to each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53 and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system program therein. The game program includes a stop symbol determining program. The stop symbol determining program is a program for determining a symbol (code number corresponding to the symbol) to be stopped on the payline L. The stop symbol determining program includes symbol weight data corresponding to each of plural payout rate (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weight data is data representing a correspondence relation between the code number of each symbol and 1 or plural random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0˜256) for each of the display windows 151˜155.

The payout rate is determined on the basis of data for setting a payout rate, which data is outputted from the GAL 54, and a stop symbol is determined on the basis of the symbol weight data corresponding to the payout rate.

Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used for the game program and the game system program. Specifically, the data representing a relationship between the symbols 180 displayed in the display windows 151˜155 of FIG. 1 and the range of random numbers is stored in a scatter object symbol-determining table form shown in FIG. 6. The data of the data table in FIG. 6 is used to randomly select a scatter object symbol 181 among the plural symbols 180. Further, the data representing a relationship between a set threshold value and a range of random numbers is stored in a set threshold value determining table form shown in FIG. 7. The data of the data table in FIG. 7 is used when a set threshold value of whether to determine the scatter object symbol 181 as the scatter symbol 182 is randomly selected among “2”˜“6.” The detailed contents of the respective data tables will be described later. In addition, the data for notifying the content of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol 182 is stored in a notification content table shown in FIG. 9. In the mean time, these data are transmitted to a RAM 43 of the motherboard 40 when executing the game program.

In addition, the card slot 53S is structured to insert and remove the memory card 53 and connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change a type or content of a game to be executed in the slot machine 10, by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program in the memory card 53 and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S.

The game program includes a program relating to a game progress and a program for shifting a gaming state into a bonus game. In addition, the game program includes image data and voice data to be outputted during the game.

The GAL 54 is provided with plural input and output ports. When the data is inputted into the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the inputted data from the output ports. The data outputted from the output ports is the data for setting a payout rate which has been described above.

The IC socket 54S is structured to attach and detach the GAL 54. The IC socket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40 through a PCI bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting a payout rate which is outputted from the GAL 54, by detaching the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54 and then attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are connected to each other by the internal bus, are connected to the motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a signal transfer between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the motherboard 40. The ROM 55 stores nation identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU 51 to execute the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and a communication interface 44.

The main CPU 41 has functions of a controller for controlling the whole slot machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 carries out a control for outputting a command signal to scroll the symbols of the lower image display panel 16 when the spin button 23 is pushed after the credit is bet, a control for determining symbols to be stopped after the symbols are scrolled and a control for stopping the determined symbols in the display windows 151˜155.

In other words, the main CPU 41 has functions of an arrangement controller for selecting and determining arrangement symbols with regard to a symbol matrix from the plural types of symbols so as to rearrange them, as a new symbol matrix after scrolling the plural symbols to be displayed in the lower image display panel 16, and executing an arrangement control which will be stopped at the determined symbols from the scroll state.

In addition, the main CPU 41 has functions of the game controller 100 for executing the first process of randomly selecting to determine the scatter object symbol 181 among the plural symbols 180, the second process of rearranging the symbols 180 in the display, the third process of awarding a payout determined on the basis of a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L and the fourth process of when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, setting the scatter object symbol 181 as the scatter symbol 182, notifying contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol 182 with voice and display and awarding the corresponding payout at the same time. Further, the main CPU 41 has a function of the game controller 100 for executing the fifth process of providing the display area (scatter object symbol display unit 163) to a part different from the arrangement area (display windows 151˜155) for arranging the symbols 180 and displaying the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area and the sixth process of when the predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols 181 are rearranged, notifying that the scatter object symbol 181 is set as the scatter symbol 182.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in the memory card 53 are read out through the gaming board 50.

The RAM 43 stores the data or program which is used when the main CPU 41 carries out a process. For example, in the RAM 43, the scatter object symbol memory 105, the scatter symbol memory 106, the symbol memory 108 and the display symbol memory 107 shown in FIG. 9 are provided in a data area form. The data area of the scatter object symbol memory 105 stores the scatter object symbols 181. The data area of the scatter symbol memory 106 stores the scatter symbol 182. The data area of the symbol memory 108 stores the symbols 180 in the data table form shown in FIG. 6. The data area of the display symbol memory 107 stores the symbols 180, the scatter object symbols 181 and the scatter symbols 182.

The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with a host computer and the like through a communication line, which are mounted in the game arcade. In addition, the motherboard 40 is connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and the door PCB 80 through a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. When power is supplied to the motherboard 40 from the power unit 45, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so that the CPU 51 is also operated.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to a device or apparatus for producing an input signal which will be inputted to the main CPU 41, and a device or apparatus which is controlled by the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 43, based on the input signal inputted to the main CPU 41 to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing a result thereof in the RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus to control it.

The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, the sub CPU, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the D/A converter 210, the volume controller 211, the bill validator 22, the ticket printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data displayer 37. The D/A converter 210 is connected to the speaker 29 via the volume controller 211 and the volume amplifier 206.

The lamp 30 is turned on/off on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU controls the scroll of symbols of the display windows 151˜155 and is connected to a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP reads out image data of the symbol stored in an image data ROM, produces a scroll image to be displayed in the display windows 151˜155 and outputs the scroll image in the lower image display panel 16.

The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 18 from the coin payout slot 19, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is mounted in the coin payout slot 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that the predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout slot 19.

The graphic board 68 controls an image display in the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. In addition, the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP for producing image data on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data produced by the VDP, and the like.

The bill validator 22 reads an image of the bill and accommodates the normal bill in the cabinet 11. In addition, in accommodating the normal bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, based on an amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores a credit-number, which corresponds to the amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal, in the RAM 43.

The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as credit-number stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like, on a ticket, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode.

The card reader 36 reads the data from the smart card to transmit it to the main CPU 41, and writes the data into the smart card, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the player manipulates the keypad 38. The data displayer 37 displays the data which is read by the card reader 36 or the data which the player inputs through the keypad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a cash out switch 25S corresponding to the cash out button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET switch 27S corresponding to the MAX-BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S˜27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of the corresponding buttons 23˜27 is pushed by a player.

The coin counter 21C is mounted in the coin receiving slot 21 and validates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin receiving slot 21 by the player, is normal or not. A coin except the normal coin is discharged from the coin payout slot 19. In addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects a normal coin.

The coin counter 21C is operated on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 21C, to a cash box (not shown) or hopper 66 mounted in the slot machine 10. In other words, when the hopper 66 is fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. In the mean time, when the hopper 66 is not fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33 and is turned on, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

(Data Table)

In the followings, it will be described a scatter object symbol-determining table in FIG. 6. The table has a column of symbols and a column of ranges of random numbers. The column of symbols stores 5 types of symbols consisting of “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “ORANGE,” “STRAWBERRY” and “PLUM.” The column of ranges of random numbers stores 5 types of range data consisting of “0˜50,” “51˜100,” “101˜150,” “151˜200” and “201˜250.” With respect to each column, the column of symbols and the column of ranges of random numbers correspond to each other. Thereby, the scatter object symbol-determining table enables a random number value to be randomly selected within a range of “0˜255” and a symbol to be randomly selected through a relationship between the selected random number value and the range data. Specifically, when “120” is selected as a random number value, “STRAWBERRY” corresponding to “101˜200” is selected.

In the followings, it will be described a set threshold value determining table in FIG. 7. The table has a column of set threshold values and a column of ranges of random numbers. The column of set threshold values stores 5 types of set threshold values consisting of “2,” “3,” “4,” “5” and “6”. The column of ranges of random numbers stores 5 types of range data consisting of “0˜500,” “51˜100,” “101˜150,” “151˜200” and “201˜250.” With respect to each column, the column of symbols and the column of ranges of random numbers correspond to each other. Thereby, the set threshold value determining table enables a random number value to be randomly selected within a range of “0˜255” and a set threshold value to be randomly selected through a relationship between the selected random number value and the range data. Specifically, when “72” is selected as a random number value, “3” corresponding to “51˜100” is selected.

It is described a notification content table in FIG. 8. The table has a column of symbols, a column of characters, a column of payout-numbers, a first description column and a second description column. The column of symbols stores 5 types of symbols consisting of “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “ORANGE,” “STRAWBERRY” and “PLUM.” The column of characters stores type data of characters. Specifically, when the type data is “1,” the data representing a woman character 251 in FIG. 10 is selected.

The column of payout-numbers stores data representing a payout number per symbol. Specifically, the data, for example 1 coin for “BELL,” 5 coins for “CHERRY,” 2 coins for “ORANGE” and the like are stored. The first description column stores data which is displayed as a first description image 252. Specifically, the image data representing that ““symbol” has become a scatter symbol.” is stored. The “symbol” in the image data is inserted with a symbol name such as ORANGE which has become the scatter symbol 182.

In addition, the second description column stores data which is displayed as a next description image 252. Specifically, the image data is stored which “coin is “-” pieces since there are the “symbols” of the “rearrangement number.” The “symbol” in the image data is inserted with a symbol name such as ORANGE which has become the scatter symbol 182. The “rearrangement number” is inserted with the number of the scatter symbol 182. “-” is inserted with the number of coins which will be paid out.

(Volume Control)

Hereinafter, it will be described a volume control which is executed in the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment. When a manager or player operates the rotary switches 220 a˜220 d provided to the slot machine 10, the variable resistances of the first attenuators 204 mounted to each channel master are adjusted. The signals passing to the channel masters corresponding to the first attenuators 204 adjusted are attenuated in accordance with the resistance values of the variable resistances. Thereby, the volume can be controlled. In this embodiment, the BGM signal passes to the channel master 4 corresponding to the rotary switch 220 d provided to the external side of the slot machine 10. The player can freely control the BGM volume by operating the rotary switch 220 d. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the signals passing to the channel master 1˜channel master 3 corresponding to the rotary switches 220 a˜220 c installed in inside of slot machine 10 are made to be a game effect sound. Since the manager adjusts the game effect sound, it may be such structured that the game effect sound is notified to the player without fail. In addition, for example, the significance is divided into high, middle and low levels in accordance with the game effect sounds relating to the payout of coins. The channel master 1 is made to correspond to the effect sound having a high significance. In addition, the channel master 2 is made to correspond to the effect sound having a middle significance. Additionally, the channel master 3 is made to correspond to the effect sound having a low significance. Thereby, the signals passing to the channel masters 2 and 3 are attenuated, so that it is possible to emphasize the game effect sound having a high significance. In the mean time, although the significances are divided into the three levels in accordance with the game effect sounds relating to the payout of coins in this embodiment, the division criterion is not limited thereto.

(Processing Operation)

In the followings, it will be described a process which is carried out in the slot machine 10 in which the volume is controlled as described above. When the main CPU 41 reads out and executes the game program, a game is started. As shown in FIG. 11, in the game executing process, it is determined whether a coin is bet (S10). In this process, it is determined whether it is received an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S as the 1-BET button 26 is pushed and whether it is received an input signal from the MAX-BET switch 27S as the MAX-BET button 27 is pushed. When the coin is not bet (S10, NO), the step of S10 is re-executed and it is under standby state until a coin is bet.

In the mean time, when the coin is bet (S10, YES), the credit-number stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted, correspondingly to the number of coins bet (S11). Meanwhile, if the number of coins bet is larger than the credit-number stored in the RAM 43, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the credit-number and the step of S11 is re-executed. In addition, if the number of coins bet is above the upper limit (50 pieces in this embodiment) which can be bet per one game, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the credit-number and a step of S12 is carried out.

Next, it is determined whether the spin button 23 is ON or not (S12). When the spin button 23 is not ON (S12, NO), the process is returned to the step of S10. In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is not ON (for example, when the spin button 23 is not ON and an instruction to end the game is inputted), it is canceled the subtraction result in the step of S11.

In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is ON (S12, YES), a symbol determining process is executed (S13). In other words, a stop symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is executed, so that it is determined the symbols 180 which will be stopped in the fifteen respective stages of the display windows 151˜155. Thereby, it is determined a combination of symbols to be stopped on the payline L.

Next, the symbols 180 of the display windows 151˜155 are scroll-displayed (S14). In the mean time, the scroll process is such that the symbols 180 are scrolled in an arrow direction and then the symbols 180 determined in the step of S13 are stopped (rearranged) in the display windows 151˜155.

Then, a scatter object symbol-determining process is executed (S15). In other words, a scatter object symbol 181 is randomly determined among the symbols 180 of “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY” “PLUM,” “ORANGE” and “APPLE.” Then, the determined scatter object symbol 181 is displayed in the scatter object symbol display unit 163. After that, it is referred to the set threshold value-determining table of FIG. 7 and a set threshold value is randomly selected.

When the scroll of the symbols 180 is stopped, it is acquired a rearrangement-number of the scatter object symbols 181 (S16). After that, it is determined whether the rearrangement-number is the set threshold value or more (S17). When the number is the set threshold value or more (S17, YES), the scatter object symbol 181 is set as the scatter symbol 182. Specifically, the scatter object symbol 181 is moved to the scatter symbol display unit 171 from the scatter object symbol display unit 163 and then received in the scatter symbol display unit 171. Then, the symbol is displayed with being received in the scatter symbol display unit 171 as a received thing (S18).

After that, a character 251 is displayed between the scatter symbol display unit 171 and the scatter object symbol display unit 163 and a speech bubble representing speech contents of the character 251 is displayed. In addition, the speech contents of the character 251 are outputted as voice. Specifically, while a first description image 252 of “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.” is displayed in the speech bubble, the voice notifying the scatter symbol is outputted. At this time, in case that the BGM volume is turned down through the rotary switch 220 d, only the volume of the BGM is turned down. Since the volume of the game effect sound is turned down somewhat or little, the player can surely hear the speech contents of the character 251, which are the game effect sound. In addition, in case that it is not such controlled by the manager or player that the BGM volume is turned down, when the voice notifying the scatter symbol is outputted, the main body PCB 60 electrically controls the second attenuator 209 of the volume controller 211, thereby increasing the resistance values. Thereby, the player can surely hear the game effect sound. In the mean time, after the voice output of the speech contents of the character 251 is terminated, the main body PCB 60 electrically controls the second attenuator 209, so that the resistance value is returned to the low value.

After that, after a predetermined time period of 3 seconds, for example has lapsed, the image is changed into a next description image 252 of “the coin is 6 pieces because there are three ORANGEs,” and the voice is outputted at the same time. Thereby, the player knows that “ORANGE” has been set as the scatter symbol 182 and also knows the specific contents of a payout resulting from that “ORANGE” has become set as the scatter symbol 182 (S19).

After that, a payout process is executed. In other words, it is summed a payout-number of the coins resulting from a winning combination and a payout-number of the coins resulting from the display-number of the scatter symbol 182. Then, in case of depositing the coins to be paid, a predetermined number of credits is added to the credit-number stored in the RAM 43. In the mean time, in case of paying out the coins, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper 66, so that a predetermined number of the coins are paid out.

In the mean time, in the display state of FIG. 10, it is not made a winning combination. In addition, since “BELL” is set as the scatter symbol 182, three scatter symbols 182 (“BELL”) are displayed in the display windows 151˜155. As a result, the coins corresponding to the 3 (three) scatter symbols 182 (“BELL”) are paid out (S20).

In the mean time, when the rearrangement-number is less than the set threshold value (S17, NO), it is determined whether the combination of the symbols 180 stopped on the payline L is a winning combination or not (S23). When the combination is not a winning combination (S23, NO), it means a losing because it is not made either the scatter symbol 182 or the winning combination. As a result, this routine is ended.

In the mean time, when the combination is a winning combination (S23, YES), the step of S20 is executed. After that, it is determined whether it is made a bonus trigger as a winning combination. In other words, it is determined whether a combination of “APPLE” is arranged on the payline L (S21). When it is determined that the bonus trigger is made (S21, YES), it is executed a bonus game process (S22). In the mean time, when the bonus trigger is not made (S21, NO), it means a losing. As a result, this routine is ended.

Hereinafter, it will be described a second embodiment of the gaming machine and the volume control method thereof. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the slot machine will be described as an example of the gaming machine. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the descriptions of the same structures and operations as the embodiment 1 will be omitted.

(Volume Control Method)

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 executes a volume control method comprising a first step of enabling a BGM signal of plural sound signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal to be inputted into the signal bus, a second step of attenuating the BGM signal transmitted through the signal bus, a third step of adding the BGM signal attenuated and the game effect sound signal not attenuated and a fourth step of converting the added sound signal into a sound wave and then turning up the sound wave.

Accordingly, in case that the sound signals include a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, it is possible to decrease only a volume of the BGM indicated by a staff notation while maintaining a volume of the game effect sound indicated by a speech bubble. As a result, only the volume of the BGM, which is not directly related to a game, is decreased, so that the entire volume outputted from the slot machine 10 can be decreased. In addition, even when the entire volume is decreased, it is possible to enable a player to hear the game effect sound which is directly related to the game.

In other words, in FIG. 1, in case that the BGM and the game effect sound are outputted at the same time, it is possible to maintain a speech volume of “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.” even though the entire volume is decreased.

(Structure of Volume Control)

In this embodiment, the volume control method is executed by the slot machine 10 only. The slot machine 10 has functions of setting a volume of the BGM into a predetermined level by attenuating the BGM signal so that the volume thereof corresponds to an environment in a hall and the like by an operation of a player or manager and outputting a sound wave from a speaker.

As shown in FIG. 12, the slot machine 10 comprises a main CPU 41, a sound signal output device 201 connected to the main CPU 41 and outputting plural sound signals in parallel, a volume controller 211 for selectively volume-controlling any of the plural sound signals and a sound output device 212 for overlapping and converting the sound signals having a volume controlled into sound waves.

The sound signal output device 201 is provided with a main body PCB 60 for outputting sound signals of a digital format in parallel and a D/A converter 210 for converting the plural sound signals outputted from the main body PCB 60 into an analog format. The D/A converter 210 has three output terminals 210 a, 210 b, 210 c. The output terminals 210 a, 210 b, 210 c output the sound signals in parallel, which have been converted into an analog format in the D/A converter 210.

The sound signal output device 201 is connected so that it inputs the plural sound signals into the volume controller 211. The volume controller 211 is provided with three first transmit lines 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, an input bus 213 and a first attenuator 204. In addition, in FIG. 12, as shown in a dotted line, the volume controller 211 may have a second attenuator 209. In this embodiment, the volume controller 211 is provided with the second attenuator 209. The number of the first transmit lines 202 is matched with the input number of the sound signals (in this embodiment, 3 (four)). Furthermore, the first attenuator 204 is provided with an input terminal 207 and an output terminal 208. Meanwhile, the input number of the sound signals or the number of the first transmit lines 202 is not limited to 3 (three).

The one terminals of the first transmit lines 202 a˜202 c are respectively connected to the output terminals 210 a˜210 c of the D/A converter 210. In addition, the other terminals of the first transmit lines 202 a, 202 c are respectively connected to the input bus 213. Additionally, the other terminal of the input bus 213 is connected to the input terminal 207 of the first attenuator 204. The output terminal 208 of the first attenuator 204 is connected to the input terminal of the second attenuator 209 via a transmit line.

The volume controller 211 structured as described above is connected to the sound output device 212. The sound output device 212 comprises an adder 205, a volume amplifier 206 and a speaker 29. The adder 205 has a plurality of input terminals and one output terminal. The input terminal of the adder 205 is connected with the other terminal of the transmit line 202 b. In addition, the input terminal of the adder 205 is connected with the output terminal of the second attenuator 209 via a transmit line. In the mean time, the output terminal of the adder 205 is connected to the volume amplifier 206 via a transmit line. The adder 205 adds (overlaps) the sound signal outputted from the first attenuator 204 and the sound signal outputted from the output terminal 210 b of the D/A converter 210 and then outputs the sound signal to the volume amplifier 206. The volume amplifier 206 amplifies the sound signal inputted from the adder 205 by a predetermined amplification ratio. The volume amplifier 206 is connected to the speaker 29. The speaker 29 converts the sound signal into a sound wave and then turns up the sound wave.

Since the attenuators 204, 209 are same as the first embodiment, the descriptions thereof are omitted. FIG. 13 is an example of a combination of the resistance values of the first attenuator 204. In other words, the signal bus 202 a is made to be “channel 1,” the signal bus 202 b is made to be “channel 2” and the signal bus 202 c is made to be “channel 3.” In addition, the signal bus having the first attenuator 204 provided thereto is made to be “master.” That is, overlapping the signals having passed to “channel 1” and “channel 2” makes a signal passing to “master.” For example, in a setting example 1, the resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuator 204 are respectively set to be 0Ω and 256Ω. Thereby, the signals of “master” and the signal of “channel 2”, which are not attenuated, are added in the adder 205. In addition, for example, in a setting example 2, the resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuator 204 are respectively set to be 128Ω and 128Ω. Thereby, the signals of “master” and the signal of “channel 2”, which are attenuated by 50%, are added in the adder 205. Additionally, for example, in a setting example 3, the resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuator 204 are respectively set to be 192Ω and 64Ω. Thereby, the signals of “master” and the signal of “channel 2”, which are attenuated by 75%, are added in the adder 205. Meanwhile, all the above numerical values are theoretical values.

The slot machine 10 is provided with a rotary switch 220 d corresponding to the first attenuator 204. A manager or player can adjust the respective resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuator 204 by operating the rotary switch 220 d. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotary switch 220 d for adjusting the resistances R1, R2 of the first attenuator 204 corresponding to the BGM signal is provided to an external side of the cabinet 11. Thereby, a manager or player can control a volume of the BGM.

In addition, as in the first embodiment, the main body PCB 60 may control the second attenuator 209, so that it attenuates the BGM signal with an electric control. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when it is outputted a game effect sound for notifying a scatter symbol, such as “ORANGE has become a scatter symbol.”, the main body PCB controls the second attenuator 209 to increase the resistance value thereof, thereby turning down the BGM volume.

(Volume Control)

Then, it will be described a volume control which is carried out in the slot machine 10. When a manager or player operates the rotary switch 220 d provided to the slot machine 10, the variable resistances (resistances R1, R2) of the first attenuator 204 are regulated, so that the signal passing to the master is attenuated. Thereby, the volume can be controlled. For example, when a BGM signal passes to the master, the player can freely control the BGM volume.

Since the slot machine 10 of this embodiment is same as the first embodiment except the above descriptions, the explanations of the mechanical structure, the electric structure and the operation thereof are omitted.

In the mean time, although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a sound signal output device for outputting plural sound signals in parallel; a plurality of attenuators for attenuating each of the sound signals outputted from the sound signal output device, respectively; a signal bus adapted to input the sound signals attenuated in the attenuators therein and transmitting the sound signals; and a speaker for converting the sound signals transmitted via the signal bus into sound waves and turning up the sound waves.
 2. A gaming machine comprising: a sound signal output device for outputting plural sound signals in parallel; a signal bus adapted to input any of the sound signals outputted from the sound signal output device therein and transmitting the sound signals; an attenuator for attenuating the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus; an adder for adding the sound signals attenuated by the attenuator and the sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device; and a speaker for converting the sound signal added into a sound wave and turning it up.
 3. A gaming machine comprising: a sound signal output device for outputting plural sound signals including a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, in parallel; a plurality of attenuators for attenuating at least the BGM signal of the plural signals outputted from the sound signal output device; a signal bus adapted to input all the plural sound signals including the BGM signal attenuated by the attenuator therein and transmitting the sound signals; and a speaker for converting the sound signals transmitted via the signal bus into sound waves and turning up the sound waves.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a sound signal output device for outputting plural sound signals including a BGM signal and a game effect sound signal, in parallel; a signal bus adapted to input the plural BGM signals outputted from the sound signal output device therein and transmitting the BGM signals; an attenuator for attenuating the BGM signals transmitted through the signal bus; an adder for adding the BGM signal attenuated by the attenuator and the game effect sound signal outputted from the sound signal output device; and a speaker for converting the sound signal added into a sound wave and turning it up.
 5. A volume control method of a gaming machine comprising: attenuating each of plural sound signals, respectively; enabling the plural sound signals attenuated to be inputted into a signal bus; and converting and turning up the sound signals into sound waves.
 6. A volume control method of a gaming machine comprising: enabling any of plural sound signals to be inputted into a signal bus; attenuating the sound signal transmitted through the signal bus; adding the sound signal attenuated and the sound signal not attenuated; and converting and turning up the sound signal added into a sound wave.
 7. A volume control method of a gaming machine comprising: attenuating at least BGM signal of plural sound signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal; enabling all the plural sound signals including the attenuated BGM signal to be inputted into a signal bus; and converting and turning up the sound signals transmitted through the signal bus into sound waves.
 8. A volume control method of a gaming machine comprising: enabling a BGM signal of plural signals including the BGM signal and a game effect sound signal to be inputted into a signal bus; attenuating the BGM signal transmitted through the signal bus; adding the BGM signal attenuated and the game effect sound signal not attenuated; and converting and turning up the added sound signal into a sound wave. 